Kolb Family Letters, MSS.2132

Abstract: John Frederick Kolb and Valentine Bruner Kolb were from Frederick County, Maryland, and fought for the Union in the Civil War. Valentine Kolb's letters to his family discuss battles, artillery, and prisoners; John F. Kolb's notification to enroll is included as well as a letter he wrote to his parents. Letters to their father are also included.Scope and Content Note: Seven letters of the collection are from Valentine Kolb to his sister, father, and friends. An eigth piece from Valentine to his father was a soldier's package envelope that once contained fifty dollars. In the letters, he discusses length of battles, artillery, and prisoners. He states Confederate money has lost all value. He travels in the southern United States, mainly New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama. Food is always scarce and they often only eat what they kill for themselves. One letter is a declaration of sick leave for Valentine Kolb. John F. Kolb's notification to enroll is included in the collection, as well as one letter from him to his parents discussing 200 sick men and the bad treatment leading people to desert. Three letters to Frederick Kolb from a Col. Schlez discuss legalities and payments as a result of the death of John Kolb. One letter to Valentine is from a friend, Mr. Titturn who thinks "the war will soon be over." One letter is from Frederick Kolb to his son Valentine telling him he does not need the money his son sent. Two letters are written by a William H. Harrison discussing daily life. One is written by E.P. Folson concerning his work and support of the Union. Sam discusses the death of John Kolb in one letter.Biographical/Historical Note: John Frederick Kolb and Valentine Bruner Kolb, sons of Frederick A. Kolb, are fighting for the Union in the Civil War. They are from Frederick County, Maryland. John Frederick Kolb dies fighting in the military